The stakes are high, as organizer Bob Esbensen hopes to surpass last year's fundraising total of $5,000. More than $30,000 has been raised over the last decade.

Esbensen, a Palatine resident who works as a veterinarian in Arlington Heights, started the fishing derby shortly after his son battled cancer and got to meet Michael Jordan during a whirlwind four-day celebration put together by Make-A-Wish.

The objective is to catch as many fish as you can in three hours. Any species counts, and fish will be released after weigh-in. Prizes will be given in three age categories, and anglers who bring in more donations will be spotted additional weight.

Kids under 10 may have help from an adult for knots and unhooking fish, but must be able to cast and land fish on their own. Helpers will be on-hand to help novice anglers and parents get started.